Effects of Egyptian Cobra (Naja Haje) Venom on Post Mortem Changes and Some Biochemical Parameters in Rats

Rania H. Abdou; Abdelaziz E. Ibrahim

Volume : IV, Issue : I, January - 2015

Effects of Egyptian Cobra (Naja Haje) Venom on Post Mortem Changes and Some Biochemical Parameters in Rats

Rania H. Abdou, Abdelaziz E. Ibrahim

Abstract :

Snakebite envenomation is one of the most important health problems all over the world. These envenomations are responsible for lethality as well as tissue damage and dysfunction. The effects of envenomation on post mortem changes are not well investigated. The aim of this study was to explore the possible influences of Egyptian coa (Naja haje) on the postmortem events. A total of 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups: a control group was injected IM with phosphate buffer saline and envenomated group was injected with venom at a dose of 0.1 �g/gm.b.wt. (4 time the LD50). Groups were subdivided into four subgroups of five animals each. Blood samples were obtained soon after death while, tissue samples were obtained at 0, 2, 4 or 6hs after death. Our results revealed that N. haje venom had altered post mortem changes including the early changes (post mortem cooling, hypostasis, rigor mortis and secondary flaccidity) as well as hematological and biochemical parameters. All organs were deteriorated by the coa venom.